Tuesday February 9, 2021 - Fifth week in ordinary time - Bow my heart towards your demands; grant me the grace of your law, Lord - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 7, 1-13

Dear Christians. We have heard that many Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus. Why ? To criticize the disciples who do not wash their hands before eating. We can easily imagine the hubbub from the crowd, since it is indeed several people, wanting to speak all at the same time. The way they reproach the disciples: "Why don't your disciples follow the tradition of the elders?" This is how it is when you only see the negative side of things! We hasten to reproach, especially when we have the tiniest of a semblance of truth. It can also happen to us, when we are in assembly or gathered in a group, we easily indulge in gossip and slander; it is to put oneself in the same rank as the hypocrites, says Jesus. Here, we can say that their remark is justified. It is essential to wash your hands before eating, and especially with the pandemic raging right now, we are strongly encouraged to do so as often as possible.

However, there is a teaching that Jesus wants to convey with his answer: "Isaiah prophesied well about you, hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me" . In other words, the Pharisees and the scribes denigrate others in order to be able to show off themselves. The lesson to be learned is this: First, do not be quick to judge others, for it is God's privilege. However, mutual and fraternal correction is more than necessary. Secondly, although one wants to look good and conciliatory from the face by wearing makeup and perfume, while from behind one hates, oppresses, slanders; one is always unclean in the sight of God. Third, Jesus' reaction here is startling: He is constantly protecting his disciples. In other words, those who follow Jesus, even if they are imperfect, enjoy his protection and are purified by God. But those who do not receive Jesus, like the Pharisees, even if they seem blameless, they are clothed in corruption before God. This is what the Pope, in "Gaudete et exsultate", describes as spiritual corruption.